In Memoriam

Sid Caesar, Comedy Icon, Dies at 91

Sketch and improv comedy icon Sid Caesar died today at the age of 91. Caesar was perhaps best known as the star of the 1950s variety show Your Show of Shows, where the likes of Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, and Neil Simon first made names for themselves writing material for Caesar. Younger generations might remember him better as Coach Calhoun in the movie musical Grease and its sequel.

A staple of the television comedy scene in the 1950s and ‘60s, Caesar also appeared in movies like It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and earned a Tony nomination for originating the lead role in the Neil Simon/Bob Fosse/Cy Coleman musical Little Me. Though his career stalled during a struggle with alcohol addiction, Caesar remained a widely revered figure in the comedy world until his death—his influence can be seen everywhere from Brooks’ directing career to the work of Aaron Sorkin. He is survived by his three children, whom he had with his ex-wife, Florence Levy, whom he married in 1943.

Confirming the news of Caesar's death to the Hollywood Reporter, Carl Reiner—yet another comic legend who got his start on Your Show of Shows—said the following:

“Inarguably he was the greatest single monologist and skit comedian we
ever had. Television owes him a debt of gratitude for his pioneering
work and the great shows he gave us all. Render onto Caesar what is
his due. He deserves real applause from the American people.”

Here’s Caesar on Your Show of Shows, with Reiner and Howard Morris among the cast.